Wireless Frame Bandwidth Indication via BSS Field Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems lack an efficient method to indicate both minimum and maximum bandwidths in a frame, limiting network communication settings and flexibility.

Innovation Solution

The system generates and transmits frames with specific bits indicating both minimum and maximum bandwidths, allowing devices to determine these settings based on received frames, using fields like the Basic Service Set (BSS) bandwidth field for indication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single bandwidth indication method is used in frames, then the frame structure remains simple, but the network communication flexibility and adaptability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork communication flexibilityVSAvoidframe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bandwidth indication is segmented into two separate fields: a first bandwidth field indicating minimum bandwidth and a second bandwidth field indicating maximum bandwidth. This segmentation allows the system to provide both minimum and maximum bandwidth information without excessive complexity, as each field can be independently configured and interpreted by receiving devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame structure is designed to be universal by incorporating both minimum and maximum bandwidth indications in a standardized format that can be used across different wireless communication scenarios and protocols. This multi-functional approach allows the same frame structure to serve various network configurations and requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of information

If bandwidth indication bits are added to the frame, then communication settings can be defined, but the frame size and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth information completenessVSAvoidframe size
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The bandwidth indication fields are integrated into specific locations within the existing frame structure rather than adding separate overhead messages. The first and second bandwidth fields are placed in appropriate fields within the frame, allowing bandwidth information to be conveyed using existing frame infrastructure with minimal additional size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If existing bandwidth fields are reused for dual indication, then frame structure remains compact, but interpretation ambiguity may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe structure simplicityVSAvoidbandwidth indication clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically interprets bandwidth field values based on context and device capabilities. Receiving devices can determine whether to use minimum or maximum bandwidth indications based on their specific requirements and the network conditions, allowing flexible interpretation of the same frame content without ambiguity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bandwidth indication mechanism works in conjunction with device capability reporting and network condition feedback. Devices provide feedback about their bandwidth requirements and capabilities, allowing the transmitting device to select appropriate minimum and maximum bandwidth values that are clearly interpreted by the receiving device based on their mutual understanding of network conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3092849B1Bandwidth indication in a frame
Publication Date: 2017.07.26 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3092849B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3092849B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3092849B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems and methods for wireless communications are disclosed. More particularly, aspects generally relate to techniques for indicating a minimum and maximum channel bandwidth in a frame (e.g., short frame). One or more bits in the frame, for example a management frame, may indicate both minimum and maximum bandwidths for communicating in the network. According to aspects, a wireless terminal may determine the minimum and maximum bandwidths for communicating in the network based on a mapping of different values of the one or more bits to combinations of minimum and maximum bandwidths. While any field in the frame may indicate the minimum and maximum bandwidth, according to aspects, the Basic Service Set (BSS) bandwidth (BW) field may be used for the indication.